Since 1989, Springhill Hospice has been on hand to care for people at the end of their lives.

Today, it’s asking for your support so it can continue to provide this vital service.

The charity, based in Rochdale, provides specialist palliative care for people who are suffering from life-limiting illnesses, and unwavering support and guidance for their families and carers.

Every year the hospice admits 300 patients with their families and carers, with an additional 150 patients visiting during the day.

The charity has also just launched its Hospice at Home service, which gives people the choice about where they’d prefer to be cared for at the end of life, and runs a 24-hour advice line, for patients and families.

However, it comes at a cost. Director of corporate services Julie Halliwell explained the centre costs more than £8,000 a day to run – and said just 30 per cent of its income is provided by the government.

The other 70 per cent of its income is generated by donations, fund raising and its charity shops, with the help of an army of willing volunteers.

With the current economic climate, Julie added it was getting harder to raise the funds.

Julie said: “The Wish campaign is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote the services we offer, at the same time as hopefully securing some additional income for the hospice.

“We have an extensive wish list ranging from replacement crockery, replacement chairs for the Day Hospice, and launching a gardening programme where vegetables and fruit can be grown in-house.

“We would also like to start a scheme to use patients’ art work to produce a book, which can be used to generate more income.”